At this stage, Malkhaz Bagatelia is exercising his right to remain silent - I am not aware whether my client has any connection to the alleged act, said his lawyer, Giorgi Chochua, after the court hearing in the murder case that occurred near the Vake Courts.

According to the lawyer, the defendant voluntarily consented to the collection of samples for expert examinations.

“He has stage 3 cancer and is undergoing intensive treatment at various medical institutions, including chemotherapy, and is taking heavy medications. Based on this, we submitted a motion to the court requesting bail as a preventive measure. However, the court did not take this into account and ordered detention as the preventive measure.

I assume that the prosecution may request a psychiatric examination, although I do not observe anything unusual in him; he speaks adequately.

I do not consider it accurate to claim that he attempted to destroy evidence, because in my presence he voluntarily gave consent and provided samples for expert examinations. There was no attempt of coercion.

I am not aware whether my client has any connection to the alleged act,” said Giorgi Chochua.

For reference, Malkhaz Bagatelia was placed in pretrial detention as a preventive measure in connection with the murder that occurred on December 31 near the Vake Courts. He has been charged under Article 108 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (intentional murder), Parts 3 and 4 of Article 236 (illegal acquisition, possession, and carrying of a firearm), and Subparagraph “a” of Part 2 of Article 260 (illegal acquisition and possession of a large quantity of narcotic substances), which carry a possible sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment.